Green Advices from "Living Green" I

These advices are from "Living Green" calendar, from http://www.pageaday.com/

feeling chipper
Your community may be one of many that chips up Christmas trees for residents. Instead of contributing to the forest of dead trees left at curbside to be hauled off to the landfill, take your tree to a designated tree-recycling station—and carry home a bag of fragrant mulch.Do your part: Some neighborhoods even feature a tree pick-up service. To find out more, contact your community’s solid waste authority.

bag that question
Paper or plastic? Duck the decision altogether by bringing your own reusable basket or mesh bags to the supermarket. If you go grocery shopping once a week, in five years you’ll have kept anywhere from 250 to 1,000 grocery bags out of our landfills.

hole in the wall
Foam draft blockers installed behind cover plates on outside walls will result in lower energy bills. Intimidated at the prospect? Don’t be. Just turn off the power at the circuit breaker, unscrew the plate, fit the foam blocker in place, refasten the plate, and turn the power back on.

tap those savings
There’s no benefit in letting the water run while you shave, brush your teeth, or wash your hands. Turn off the tap when you don’t need the water and save ten gallons or more each morning.

a cold start
Most modern automobiles need only about 30 seconds of warm-up time to run properly in cold weather. And though it might be tempting to blast the heater before you get in, keep in mind that warming up the car on a cold morning gives you a mileage per gallon of zero.

the well-tempered refrigerator
Maintain your appliances according to manufacturers’ instructions. They’ll last longer and may be more efficient.Do your part: Keeping the coils on the back of your fridge clean can reduce the unit’s electricity consumption 6 percent or more.

picture this
Quick and convenient though they may be, disposable cameras produce a lot of solid waste—not just the camera body, but also the foil and cardboard packages. About a quarter of the cameras never make it back to the manufacturer to be recycled. A digital camera takes good pictures and generates far less waste, especially since you’ll probably print only the shots you really like.

illumination
Replace incandescent lightbulbs with compact fluorescents. You’ll recoup their higher cost—they last ten times longer and save up to $30 a year in electricity.
do your part: Fluorescents use much less energy than traditional lightbulbs. And the less energy we burn away, the less CO2 we produce. Just one compact fluorescent keeps half a ton of carbon dioxide out of the air over the course of its lifetime

the cost of litter
If you need an incentive not to litter, consider this: Your tax dollars go toward cleaning it up—and it’s not cheap. To pick one example, Alabama spends $5.3 million dollars a year on the effort. So can it!

the thermostat rules
Warm your house to 68°F on winter days, and to 55¼ at night or when you’ll be out. Install a programmable thermostat to change settings for you automatically. For every degree you lower the heat, you can save 3 percent in energy costs.Do your part: By one estimate, every 100 households that practice careful thermostat regulation will reduce CO2 output by more than 30,000 pounds—15 tons—annually.

the re-use file
Demonstrate some initiative on the job—set up a program to encourage the reuse of perfectly good office products that are routinely tossed—folders, paper clips, binders, Rolodex cards, and the like.
An internal employee exchange at Eastern Illinois University reclaimed more than 9,000 pounds of computer equipment and 25,000 pounds of coated paper office supplies, saving the university about $7,000.

rare steak
The global loss of biodiversity isn’t limited to environments like rain forests; its effects are also being felt in barnyards across America. Up to one third of domestic breeds aren’t big players in today’s mass farming techniques, and they’re in danger of extinction. Support their survival by purchasing meat from these heritage breeds.Do your part: Visit http://www.lobels.com/ , which offers meat from such heritage varieties as Galloway and Devon beef cattle, and Gloucestershire Old Spot pigs.

put a lid on it
Lose a little less energy through your stovetop (whether gas or electric) by applying the simplest of expedients—a lid over a saucepan to contain heat and warm food faster.

a little air, please
Your furnace will work most efficiently if you keep it clean. Change disposable filters monthly; a better bet is a reusable filter, which should be checked monthly and washed in the sink or outside if it’s clogging up. Also, vacuum the vents and registers to promote good airflow.

take note
You can squeeze one more use out of cash register receipts before you recycle them—if the backs are blank, they make handy note papers.

made in the shade
Coffee was once grown mostly in shaded areas; today many growers are producing higher-yielding “sun coffee.” This practice requires extra pesticides and herbicides, can promote soil erosion, and reduces the habitat available to migratory songbirds including wood thrushes, tanagers, flycatchers, and Honduras orioles. Do your part: To support growers who use sound farming and harvesting practices, look for the USDA Organic and Bird Friendly symbols on the coffee package, or for a clear statement that the coffee is shade-grown.

tone up
Try all these ways to cut waste at the office printer. Remove and gently rock the toner cartridge when it runs low—you may get many more prints from it. Select “draft” printouts under your computer’s “print” command; for many uses, these lighter prints (which use less toner and extend cartridge life) work fine. Millions of cartridges are thrown away needlessly each year, so buy toner from a supplier who reuses and recycles them when their useful life is ended.

good wood
The Forest Stewardship Council manages what has been called “the only credible forest certification program.” Only producers who grow and harvest timber to tough, verifiable standards are certified. The council checks for sustainability, maintenance of natural forest conditions, minimal chemical use, endangered species protection, and other conservation elements. Do your part: Visit http://www.certifiedwoodsearch.org/ for a list of certified wood products and providers.

working green
Young people considering career options, or mid-career professionals thinking of a change, may find work to be passionate about in environmental fields. To learn more about fields like ecotoxicology, marine biology, pollution prevention, and urban forestry, see a directory of related job opportunities at http://www.environmentalcareer.com/.

hailing a cab
In some American cities, you can call a taxi or limousine company and get picked up by a hybrid car. A Ford Escape hybrid will save more than 1,600 gallons of gas and 32,000 pounds of carbon emissions over the course of 100,000 miles of travel.do your part: Telephone for these hybrid airport limo services: OZOcar in New York (1-866-696-5966), ECOLIMO in Los Angeles (1-888-432-6456), and PlanetTran in Boston (1-877-326-8294). A web search of “hybrid taxi” plus your city’s name may help you locate a cab company in your hometown.

fabric, softer
Liquid fabric softeners may contain derivatives of ammonium chloride (harmful to some aquatic life and a trigger for allergy and asthma symptoms). Keep it out of the wastewater stream by substituting a quarter-cup to a cup of white vinegar, which leaves your clothing soft and doesn’t leave behind any scent.

computing generosity
Businesses frequently upgrade their computers—Americans are thought to have replaced 153 million computers in 2006—and mountains of still-useful machines are trashed. Offer older computers to schools, libraries, or charities. Monitors contain toxic components such as lead that don’t belong in landfills, so a second-best option is sending the machines to a reputable recycler. Do your part: Visit eBay’s Rethink Initiative website at http://rethink.ebay.com/odcs/custom.htm?template=recycle to find a recycler near you.

strength and flexibility
There’s something peculiar about driving miles to a gym, then driving miles back. Since you’ll already be in workout mode, why not look for an exercise facility that you can walk or cycle to; or develop an exercise regimen that you can pursue at home.Do your part: Need help planning an at-home fitness program? Visit http://www.primusweb.com/fitnesspartner/library/activity/startexercise.htm.

bugs no more
Health effects associated with pesticide exposure include eye, nose, and throat irritation; damage to the central nervous system and kidneys; and elevated cancer risk. Some common household items have insect-repellent properties, minus the risk. Tape whole, dried bay leaves to the bottom of shelves in your pantry to keep tiny bugs away. Make your own spray by combining rubbing alcohol with an essential oil like clove, citronella, or peppermint in a spray bottle.

bulk up
Buy dry foods like pasta, rice, and sugar in bulk to save money and avoid putting excess packaging in the trash. Transfer to tight-sealing jars or canisters to keep them fresh. (Don’t buy so much that you end up throwing food away!)

the shopper’s friend
For decades, Consumer Reports has delivered careful, unbiased evaluations of an amazing spectrum of consumer products. Now, a sister website provides detailed, impartial reviews of everything from appliances to cars to home and garden products—all with a special eye to environmental impact. Investigate before you buy at http://www.greenerchoices.org/.

energy star
When buying nearly any appliance, electronic device, home heating or cooling equipment, or insulation, look for the Energy Star rating from the federal EPA and Department of Energy. To earn the rating, products must meet strict energy efficiency guidelines; choosing rated products is one way to make energy-wise choices. do your part: The Energy Star program helped Americans save enough energy in 2005 to avoid greenhouse gases equivalent to those emitted by 23 million cars.

green performance
Make green discussion a part of your existing office peer review. If it gets measured, it gets managed.

bleached out
Chlorine laundry bleach degrades to water, oxygen, and table salt, but when sent down the drain it can also produce organochlorines—suspected carcinogens and reproductive, neurological, and immune system toxins. Non-chlorinated bleaches containing hydrogen peroxide, sodium percarbonate, or sodium perborate are viable alternatives.

share a car
For urbanites who need a car only occasionally, the emerging phenomenon of car-sharing may offer the ride of choice. Autos in designated parking spots are available to program members, who unlock them with electronic keys and return them when finished. A UC-Berkeley study estimates that 20,000 fewer miles were driven each day in the Bay area because of a local nonprofit car-sharing service; by another estimate, each shared car in service takes about 15 other cars off the road.do your part: Find out more at http://www.zipcar.com/ and http://flexcar.com/.

goodbye, old paint
Many paints contain toxic solvents or heavy metals. Keep leftovers for touchups or other projects. When you must get rid of water-based paints, put cat litter or sawdust in a plastic-lined box; pour in the paint, allow to dry, and throw away with your regular trash. Oil-based paints can be taken to community disposal points or paint exchanges that encourage reuse. The store that sold you the paint may be able to provide assistance.do your part: Never pour paint down the drain. Earth 911 offers an online finder for community hazardous waste programs at http://www.earth911.org/master.asp?s=ls&serviceid=135&cat=9.

the dry facts
Instead of using your dishwasher’s drying function, turn off the appliance after final rinse, prop open the door, and allow the dishes to air dry. (On some models, you can just switch off the dish dryer.)do your part: Air-drying your dishes can save 10 percent of the energy used for each load.

weighty matters
Our ecosystem’s delicate balance means that your health and that of the environment are inextricably intertwined. As if you needed another reason to shed those extra pounds: Statistics from the University of Illinois show that our cars use a billion extra gallons of gas a year transporting heavier people. The additional aircraft fuel burned annually to account for overweight passengers amounts to 350 million gallons, according to the Centers for Disease Control—producing an extra 3.8 million tons of atmosphere-warming carbon dioxide.

transit vouchers
In Philadelphia, Richmond, Milwaukee, Seattle, and many other cities, employers are adding an appealing perk to their benefits packages. Transit vouchers buy rides on local trains and buses (and sometimes transit station parking). It’s a strong inducement to public transportation use, and because it’s tax-free under IRS code, it costs less for companies than many other benefit options.do your part: Need help in discussing this with your boss? Check out http://www.132national.com/index.html for a detailed explanation of the benefits and tips for getting started.

no peeking
Resist the bedeviling impulse to open the oven door and sneak a look—and then another—at how your roast is doing. Every peek causes a 25- to 50-degree drop in temperature, which wastes energy as the oven struggles to regain its setting.

a warm glow
A cozy Valentine’s Day dinner may not feel quite the same to you without candlelight. Choose longer-burning soy-based tapers instead of paraffin and you’ll reduce the amount of soot released into the air by 90 percent.

sneaky leak
A leak from the toilet tank into the bowl is a stealth problem—you can’t see it, but water is bleeding away constantly. To check for a leak, put three drops of food coloring in the tank and wait a half-hour. If the color appears in the bowl, repair or replace the flapper valve, an easy operation that can save 100 gallons of water or more daily. (Don’t forget to flush the colored water away; it can stain the bowl if left too long.)

suds savings
Experiment with detergent to be sure you’re using the right amount, as what the box calls for may be more than you need. (The scoops provided by manufacturers are also often bigger than necessary.) Your clothes won’t be cleaner if you overdo it—in fact, the rinse cycle may not get all the residue out, so all you’ll be doing is putting extra detergent into the water waste stream.

miking it
Today’s microwave ovens are tightly shielded to keep the waves they emit on the inside. Though no one would suggest that they’re right for all kinds of cooking, they are efficient—some models use 75 percent less energy than conventional stoves. They are also great for helping to limit household food waste, providing a quick and easy way to use up leftovers.

again, paper
In order for recycling to truly take hold, demand for recycled products must exist. Boost the effort by purchasing recycled office paper. Look for a high (30 percent) post-consumer content, meaning that the original paper was actually used for something, not just salvaged from mill scrap. Also, check for paper that’s processed without chlorine and manufactured with fiber from sustainably grown wood.do your part: New Leaf Paper offers a good primer on the subject at http://newleafpaper.com/ecopaper.htm

pans out
When you’re cooking on the stovetop, observe two simple rules of thumb to improve energy efficiency. First, use the smallest pot or pan you can. Second, don’t be burner-happy. If the circumference of the flames is greater than that of your pan, you’re leaking unused heat into the air.

influence
Many of the organizations you may belong to—business groups, places of worship, youth organizations, sports clubs—seek service projects from time to time. Help guide them toward conservation efforts that have a real effect on the environment in your community. Organize litter patrols, conservation seminars, or recycling efforts in areas that don’t have municipal plans.

counter balance
Take stock of the small appliances infesting your kitchen counters and drawers. Would a whetstone work as well as the electric knife sharpener? Is that power can opener really better than a manual one? Retire any you don’t need to clear space and achieve a modest savings in electricity use.

uncorked
Yemm & Hart, a company that finds innovative uses for recycled products, is soliciting wine bottle corks for a unique initiative. When the company has amassed six tons, they’ll begin converting the corks into coasters, clipboards, and flooring. Contributors will be eligible for discounts on the finished products.do your part: Mail wine and champagne corks to Wine Cork Recycling, Yemm & Hart Ltd., 610 S. Chamber Drive, Fredericktown, MO 63645.

cold and clean
Roughly 90 percent of the energy used by your washer goes to heat the water. For most loads, a cold wash is just fine. (Exceptions: Some stains can only be removed with hot water, and bed linens need a hot wash to kill dust mites.)do your part: Use cold water whenever possible, and the savings can be as substantial as $300 and 330 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions every year.

called to recycle
When you replace office mobile phones, recycle them. (Erase names and numbers from memory first.) Telephone donation programs raise funds for charity, resell phones as alternatives to new ones, or give phones to the homeless and victims of domestic violence. Staples and other retailers also accept used phones; some are rehabbed for sale in developing countries, others mined for replacement parts.do your part: For more information on these programs, go to http://www.charitablerecycling.com/.

refill flexibility
Many beauty and cleaning products are now available in dispensers that you purchase once and then refill from flexible pouches. You can reduce packaging waste by as much as 80 percent when you buy shampoo, hand soap, lotions, and detergent this way.

diaper change
Environmental impact is not the only consideration, but on that count the diaper decision is easy—avoid disposables. Each year, five million tons of untreated waste reaches landfills via disposable diapers, risking groundwater contamination. Two hundred thousand trees are cut in their production process, and tons of plastic and paper wind up in the trash. Cloth diapers offer two advantages—washed at home or by diaper services, the waste is properly treated, and the diapers themselves can be reused time after time.

down the drain
The acids or lye in commercial drain cleaners don’t belong in wastewater. Try a plunger or plumber’s snake first. If there’s no standing water, pour in a cup of baking soda, then three cups of boiling water. Repeat if necessary. To work through backed-up water, pour a cup of washing soda into the spot over the clog, wait for it to settle, then use the baking soda technique.

how dry i am
As you plan your garden this spring, select native and drought-tolerant plants. Together, these varieties can help you limit the amount of watering you’ll do this summer. For more information, visit http://www.xeriscape.org/.

pet peeve
Captive exotic animals like tropical frogs, snakes, iguanas, scorpions, and caimans don’t make for good pets. They’re not fond of people, for one. More importantly, more than half die on their way to becoming pets, and ecosystems are damaged in the process as well.According to the British Columbia SPCA, several varieties of tarantulas—the Mexican red-legged, Chilean rose, and Asian black velvet—are endangered in wild habitats because of the pet trade. It’s better for you, the animal and the environment if you choose species bred to human contact.

mood lighting
If your office building has skylight or window exposure, suggest installing dimmable ballasts on lamps and overhead lighting so you can crank down the artificial illumination when external light is bright and save substantially on electricity.Dimming controls installed in the Multnomah County (Oregon) building have produced an annual electricity cost savings of $4,000.

after you tear it in half
Although telephone books can be recycled, they shouldn’t be mingled with other paper bound for the mill. The paper used to make their thin pages is manufactured from very short fibers and isn’t easily repurposed at conventional recycling plants. Call your phone company or municipal government to find local drop-off points that will ferry the books to their reincarnation—as phone books.

a heady libation
The herbicides, pesticides, fungicides, and other chemicals sprayed on grapes make wine one of the most chemically intensive agricultural products around. Select organic wines and you’ll help reduce the amount of poisons entering the soil and groundwater.do your part: At http://www.organicwinejournal.com/ you’ll find an oenophile’s information trove, with facts on vineyards, vintages, and much more.

the steel predator
Annual wild animals highway deaths are estimated to number in the millions—and include some members of endangered species. Losses are high among amblers like turtles, and among big carnivores such as mountain lions and bears. Slow down and give them a chance.

the art of reuse
Across the country, centers that collect and redistribute materials for reuse by artists and schools are taking root. SCRAP in San Francisco, the Hudson Valley Materials Exchange in greater New York, Materials for the Arts in New York City, and Baltimore’s Reuse Development Organization are some of the groups that take in textiles, paper, jewelry, wood, buttons, and plastics and offer them to artists and schools in their areas. do your part: Want to see how it’s done? Check out the SCRAP website, http://www.scrap-sf.org/ which includes links to lots of like-minded organizations.

jekyll and hide
Keep your leather accessories and upholstery in great shape without using chemical petroleum-based products. Pour a quarter cup of flaxseed oil (available at natural food stores), half a cup of white vinegar, and a drop or two of food-grade orange oil in a glass jar with a lid. Shake it up and rub it on the leather with a clean, dry cloth, one small area at a time; buff dry.

power down
Contrary to office legend, turning off your computer when you go home at night does no harm. The good it does, according to a study from Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, is substantial—one workstation (computer and monitor) left on all night for a year is responsible for one ton of carbon dioxide emissions. Switching it off at night and setting it to sleep when idle during the day can reduce energy use by 80 percent.do your part: If every computer and monitor in the country were off at night, we’d emit seven million less tons of CO2 per year.

growing biodiversity
Historically, humans have relied on 7,000 species of plants for food. Today, 90 percent of our diet is drawn from just 20 species. Organic grower Seeds of Change (http://www.seedsofchange.com/) has undertaken the special mission of helping preserve heirloom and traditional flower, herb, and vegetable varieties. Their efforts contribute to the maintenance of biodiversity, an essential element of conservation.do your part: You don’t have to be an organic farmer to do your part; their unusual seeds are available for planting right in your garden.

fill ’er up
A freezer operates most efficiently when full. When a packed freezer is opened, there’s less space for warm outside air to invade. If you don’t keep enough food on hand to fill the space, make up the difference with water-filled plastic jugs.

flue shot
A fireplace with an open flue creates a sizeable hole in your house, allowing heat to escape in the winter and enter in the summer. Close the damper when you don’t have a fire burning and save energy. do your part: An open fireplace damper can allow as much as 8 percent of the heat from your furnace to escape through the chimney.

good news
Programs to recycle paper—including newsprint—are widespread across the country. Take advantage of the arrangements in your area. Check to see if your local programs require papers to be tied or bagged, and whether they involve drop-off locations or curbside pickup.do your part: If every American recycled just one newspaper a week, about 36 million trees a year would be spared. Making recycled newspaper takes half as much energy as producing virgin newsprint.
paydirt
Start a compost pile! Gardens thrive when their soil is enriched with compost. And the grass cuttings, potato peels, eggshells, hair clippings, and other organic stuff you use stays out of the landfill.do your part: For tips, check out http://vegweb.com/composting

just the fax
Create a template to print stickers for faxes in place of the cover sheet you normally send. Slap a sticker on the first sheet of the actual message and save a page every time you use the machine.

curtains
By attending to the draperies on your windows, you can add some part-time insulation to your home and save a bit more on energy use. Close the curtains to make your house warmer on cold days and cooler on hot ones. For more insulation, try “thermal-backed” curtains.
do your part: Up to 25 percent of a home’s energy loss takes place through its windows.

quality lasts
When purchasing non-disposable materials, it can be worth your while to invest a bit more for longevity’s sake. Look for well-made tools, furniture, appliances, and clothing. A cheap item might save you money in the short run, but when it wears out and repeatedly needs replacing over a ten-year period, the savings tend to evaporate (as the landfill gets fuller and fuller).

one last purchase
We may not like to think about it, but a funeral offers a final opportunity to go green. Natural burials eschew the formaldehyde used in embalming and use biodegradable containers in place of concrete vaults and metal caskets. If you’re serious about the idea, you may want to include details in your will. The website of the Funeral Consumers Alliance, http://www.funerals.org/, can provide further information.do your part: Americans bury more than 800,000 gallons of embalming fluid and 30 million board feet of hardwood (including tropical woods) each year.

habitat in the yard
Development makes vast tracts of land inhospitable to animal life each year. Make your yard more wildlife-friendly to help offset these losses by planting native species, especially those that produce nectar and edible fruits, seeds, or leaves (they’ll also require less watering). You can keep at least a tenth of the area “natural”—lawn-free—to reserve space for animals. Install a birdbath or other water source. And be prepared to fence off your vegetable and flower gardens unless you’re willing to share them, too.

blanketed
An insulating blanket, easy to install on your water heater for as little as $10, can cut your water heating costs by up to 9 percent. Leave the heater’s thermostat access panel uncovered when you apply the blanket, and set the temperature below 130°F to avoid overheating the wiring.do your part: A simple way to determine if your water heater needs insulation is to touch it. If it feels warm, wrap it in a heater blanket.

the ecoroof
Help spread the word: Building owners including Heinz in Pittsburgh and Ford in Dearborn, Michigan, have adopted the ecoroof option, turning their roofs into gardens. An ecoroof is an ambitious project, but positive results can include the filtering of rainwater runoff and of airborne pollutants. Ecoroofs also reduce the amount of heat absorbed into buildings through their rooftops.do your part: A good source for introductory information is the website of Penn State’s Center for Green Roofs: http://hortweb.cas.psu.edu/research/greenroofcenter/.

front-end waste reduction
Make it a habit to think about the waste consequences of all your purchases. If a product includes several layers of outer packaging, extra bracing, and protective structures, is made of materials that can’t be recycled, or just seems likely to be an early throwaway, consider less waste-intensive alternatives.

renter’s rights
You don’t have to be a homeowner to benefit from energy-saving improvements to your living space. Many renters pay their own utilities, and those who don’t can still understand the importance of reducing energy use whenever possible. Talk to your landlord or super about the benefits he will garner by caulking, insulating, and otherwise buttoning up—increased real estate value and a more comfortable, more affordable living space in which his tenants are more likely to remain.

speak volume
With landfill space increasingly at a premium, it’s important to minimize the volume of trash you’re putting at the curb. If you can’t recycle or reuse them, try to collapse cartons and boxes, flatten steel or plastic containers, and fill garbage bags completely to get the most service out of each one.

call it off
Credit card companies and banks often sell customer names and personal information to direct marketers; it’s one of the reasons your mailbox is constantly stuffed with junk. Call your credit providers and tell them you don’t want your information sold; it will cut down on the amount of unwanted mail you receive and toss.do your part: Go to http://www.optoutprescreen.com/ or call the toll-free number 1-888-5OPTOUT to have the national credit bureaus remove your name from the lists they offer lenders.